Mahatma Gandhi said it best when he said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."

Those words mean a lot coming from such a wise man.

Gandhi gets a bad rap from "holy men" of the modern era.

I have heard from "Christian sources" that he had his chance to be saved and turned it away.

It is true that Gandhi was taught the ways of Christianity while studying in England. However, it is not for me to say where his soul currently resides. But, I can tell you he was a symbol of love and mercy in a world that was torn apart by racism, religious intolerance and greed.

The Bible says there is only One way to the Father, and this is through Jesus Christ, but I hope a man like Gandhi gets an honorable mention on Judgement Day.

Maybe we have it all wrong. It seems like a simple prayer during the alter call is a little too menial a task to secure a place in Heaven's eternal realm.

And the Bible also says that man is saved through faith, and not by works.

So, do we say, "Sorry, Gandhi, you wasted your time being a good, decent man"?

I don't buy that either.

So how do we explain God's gift of salvation?

Can our finite human minds grasp such a celestial concept? I am humble enough to say that I am far enough along to finally admit that I just can't explain it, but I know it's real.

As far as Gandhi is concerned, I don't think reading and following the example of such a man would cost us our salvation.

In fact, if we measure the character of a man according to his virtues rather than his financial assets – which we should – he is more of a Christian than most Christians.

So are a lot of people in history whose names are forever tainted by their lack of "Christianity."

While I am not the model Christ-follower, I can safely say I acknowledge it.

But if you ask me what a Christian is, I would probably point to someone who loves more than they pontificate.